Progress in immune pathogenesis and targeted therapy of alopecia areata

Alopecia areata is a common clinical non-cicatricial alopecia. Alopecia totalis and generalized alopecia may occur in severe cases. The pathogenesis of alopecia areata is complex, and the treatment is faced with many difficulties. The traditional treatment method is not effective for moderate and severe alopecia areata. Therapeutic efficacy varies with patients because of the differences in the pathogenesis. Although patients with generalized alopecia areata usually respond well to the treatment, the risk of recurrence is high. Patients with generalized alopecia areata are often subject to psychological stress. With the wide use of biological agents and small molecular drugs in atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, targeted treatment for alopecia areata is becoming an important treatment method. This article reviews the progress of immunopathogenesis and targeted treatment of alopecia areata, and explores new ideas for the treatment.